What Does a UV Filter Do?

Last updated on December 4th, 2023

If you’re a photographer, you’ve probably heard about UV filters and what they do. But do you really know what they are and what they do? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at UV filters and what role they play in photography. We’ll also discuss some of the pros and cons of using them. So if you’re curious about UV filters, be sure to read on!

A UV filter is an important part of your digital camera gear. It helps protect your lens from scratches, dust, and moisture while also reducing the amount of ultraviolet light that reaches the sensor. This results in sharper photos with less haze and better color reproduction.

What is UV?

First of all, let’s talk about UV light. UV stands for ultraviolet light, which is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the human eye. It has a shorter wavelength than visible light, and it can be harmful to our skin and eyes if we’re exposed to too much of it. That’s why we wear sunscreen when we’re out in the sun – to protect ourselves from UV rays.

UV rays are harmful to your camera equipment, especially the lens. The glass in a digital device is vulnerable and can be degrade over time due UV exposure which leads many photographers use protective filters on their lenses so they don’t get damaged.

What Does a UV Lens Filter Do?

So, what does a UV filter do? Essentially, the filters block out UV light before it reaches your lens. This helps to protect the glass from damage and also reduces the amount of haze in your photos.

The UV lens filter attaches to the front of lens. This protects the front elements of the lens from damaging UV light.

There are different types of UV filters, but the most common one is the screw-on filter that attaches to the front of your lens. UV filters come in different sizes, so you’ll need to make sure you get one that’s the right size for your lens.

Types of UV filters

There are two main types of UV filters: absorbing filters and coating filters.

Absorbing filters are made of a material that absorbs UV light. The most common type of absorbing filter is made of glass, but there are also polymer and gel filters available.

Coating filters have a special coating that reflects or refracts UV light away from the lens. These types of filters are often used in professional photography because they don’t affect the image quality as much as absorbing filters do.

Pros and Cons of Using UV Filters

Now that we know what UV filters are and what they do, let’s talk about some of the pros and cons of using them.

Pros:

• UV filters can help to protect your camera lens from damage.
• A UV filter can help protect your camera’s lens from scratches.
• They can reduce the amount of haze in your photos.
• Some types of UV filters don’t affect image quality.
• Protects lens from dust
• Easier to clean

Cons:

• Some types of UV filters can cause a loss of sharpness in your photos.
• They can be expensive, depending on the type and brand you choose.
• You’ll need to replace them eventually, as they will degrade over time.

How to properly care for and clean your UV filter

It’s important to properly care for and clean your UV filter, as it is an important part of your camera equipment. Here are a few tips on how to do this:

• Be gentle when attaching or removing the filter from your lens.
• Don’t touch the glass surface of the filter with your fingers. If it gets dirty, clean it with a soft, dry cloth.
• Store the filter in a safe place when you’re not using it. A protective case is ideal.
• Replace the filter if it becomes scratched or damaged.

Tips for using a UV filter in different shooting situations

1. If you’re shooting in bright sunlight, you may want to use a UV filter to reduce the amount of haze in your photos.
2. If you’re shooting with a wide-angle lens, be aware that some types of UV filters can cause vignetting (a darkening of the corners of the image).
3. If you’re using a telephoto lens, make sure the filter is properly secured to avoid wobbling or shaking.
4. When shooting at night or in low light, you may not need a UV filter.

Conclusion

A UV filter is a type of camera filter that helps to protect your lens from damage and reduces the amount of haze in your photos. There are different types of UV filters available, and each has its own set of pros and cons. When choosing a UV filter, it’s important to consider the type of photography you’ll be doing and what your needs are.

Filters can be an important part of protecting your camera equipment, but they’re not necessary for all types of photography. If you’re not sure whether or not you need a UV filter, ask a professional photographer or camera store employee for advice.

FAQ

Why should photographers use UV filters?

UV filters can help to protect your camera lens from damage. A UV filter can help protect your camera’s lens from scratches. They can reduce the amount of haze in your photos. Some types of UV filters don’t affect image quality.

Can I leave my UV filter on all the time?

Yes, you can leave your UV filter on all the time. However, it’s important to properly care for and clean your filter to avoid damaging it.

What UV Filter Should You Buy?

It is important to buy a filter from a reputable seller. This will ensure that it doesn’t negatively impact image quality. Some good brands to look for are B+W, Hoya, and Tiffen.

So, Are UV Filters Worth It?

This is a difficult question to answer. It depends on your needs as a photographer. If you’re doing a lot of outdoor photography, a UV filter may be worth the investment. However, if you’re mostly shooting indoors or in low light, you may not need one.

I always put one on my lens as an extra layer of protection for the glass. It’s much cheaper to replace a filter than it is to replace a lens. Plus, some filters can actually improve the quality of your photos by reducing UV haze or protecting against scratches.

So, ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a UV filter is up to you.